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6 days ago
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If you believe the Earth is flat or that aliens control the government then you're probably a control freak, according to a new study.
Researchers have found that people who prefer structured, rule–based explanations may find conspiracy theories appealing because they offer a clear, ordered explanation for events that feel chaotic.
And it could go some way to explaining why it's so hard to change their minds.
The study was led by Dr Neophytos Georgiou, an expert in conspiracy belief research at Flinders University in South Australia.
His team examined more than 550 people to understand why some individuals show an increased interest in conspiracy explanations.
Rather than pointing to poor reasoning, the study highlights the role of a thinking style known as 'systemising' – a core trait also linked with autism. This describes a strong drive to identify patterns and make sense of events through consistent rules.
'People often assume conspiracy beliefs form because someone isn't thinking critically,' Dr Georgiou said.
'But our findings show that for those who prefer systematic structure, conspiracy theories can feel like a highly organised way to understand confusing or unpredictable events.'
Scientists found that people who score high for 'systemising' – a core trait also linked with autism – are more likely to believe conspiracy theories
In the study, the team identified different thinking profiles and found that individuals who strongly liked patterns and structure were more likely to believe conspiracy theories.
This held true even when they demonstrated good scientific reasoning skills.
'What stood out is that people who systemise strongly want the world to make sense in a very consistent way,' Dr Georgiou said.
'Conspiracy theories often offer that sense of order. They tie loose ends together.
'Even when someone has strong reasoning ability, their desire for strict explanations can overshadow their ability to question those beliefs.'
The study also found that people with strong systemising preferences were less flexible when updating their beliefs when confronted with new evidence.
'In tasks that required participants to revise their views when presented with new information, those with high systemising tendencies were less likely to shift their perspective,' Dr Georgiou added. .
'This may help explain why conspiracy beliefs can persist even when contradictory information is available.'
Some conspiracy theorists insist the Earth is flat. But this has been proven false – as if that was the case, shadows would remain in the same place all year round (stock image)
He added that for people who naturally seek structure and predictability, conspiracy theories can be appealing because they 'feel ordered, logical and consistent for events that feel chaotic'.
The team, who published their findings in the journal Cognitive Processing, hope the findings will guide new approaches to dealing with misinformation.
'Rather than relying only on fact‑checking or logic‑based interventions, strategies may need to reflect how people prefer to process information,' Dr Georgiou concluded.
'Conspiracy beliefs meet psychological needs, and if we ignore that, we overlook what actually makes these narratives persuasive.'
WHAT MAKES SOMEONE BELIEVE IN CONSPIRACY THEORIES?
Over the course of three online-based studies, researchers at the University of Kent showed strong links between the belief in conspiracy theories and certain psychological traits.
Narcissism and self-esteem levels have a large impact on a persons belief in conspiracy theories.
The results showed that people who rated highly on the narcissism scale and who had low self-esteem were more likely to be conspiracy believers.
However, while low self-esteem, narcissism and belief in conspiracies are strongly linked, it is not clear that one - or a combination - causes the other.
But it hints at an interesting new angle to the world of conspiracy and those who reinforce belief.
There are widely believed to be three main reasons as to why people believe in conspiracy theories.
- The desire for understanding and certainty - Seeking explanations for events is a natural human desire.
- The desire for control and security - Conspiracy theories can give their believers a sense of control and security.
- The desire to maintain a positive self-image - People who feel socially marginalised are more likely to believe in conspiracy theories and it gives them a sense of worth in the UFO community.
These three things tie in with the previously stated qualities and combine to create an avid conspiracy theorist.
